Stress-Reducing Garment Top

ABSTRACT

A stress-reducing garment top is an apparatus that provides a concealed, stress-reducing tool within a garment. The apparatus includes a long-sleeved top, a first resistance band, and a second resistance band. The long-sleeved top includes a torso-covering portion, a first sleeve, and a second sleeve. The torso-covering portion covers the torso of a user. The first sleeve and the second sleeve cover the left arm and the right arm of the user, respectively. The first resistance band serves as the stress-reducing tool for the left hand of the user, and the second resistance band serves as the stress-reducing tool for the right hand of the user. The first resistance band and the second resistance band each provide resistance against while extending the fingers of the user. The first resistance band and the second resistance band are positioned directly around each hand in order to be readily accessible.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/959,703 filed on Jan. 10, 2020. The current application is filed on Jan. 11, 202021 while Jan. 10, 2020 was on a weekend.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to stress-reducing gadgets. More specifically, the present invention is a stress-reducing garment top.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There exists a variety of methods and items one can implement to reduce stress and anxiety from behavioral to physical means. Studies have shown that fidgeting can indeed help a person overcome some mental obstacles. A common way one can reduce anxiety and increase focus is by clicking a pen or practicing controlled breathing. Other items and methods include fidgeting devices such as band, spinners, and buttons which can have some therapeutic effects. While all of these items are useful, these can be small gadgets which are easily forgotten or lost.

An objective of the present design is to provide the user with a means of reducing stress and anxiety with an article of clothing embedded with an elastic band in the cuff near the opening of a shirt sleeve. The elastic band features finger holes that the user may insert their fingers into. The elastic nature of the band allows the user to stretch their fingers which may help some of users relax and calm down. Fidgeting devices such as elastic bands have been shown to have helpful therapeutic effects. Because the elastic band is connected to the shirt itself, this reduces the chances of the invention from being lost compared to small fidgeting devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front side view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front exploded view of a first embodiment with a first resistance band attached with a first sleeve with a first elongated fastener and a second resistance band attached with a second sleeve with a second elongated fastener of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment with a first finger-receiving channel and a second finger-receiving channel of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment with a first finger channel, a second finger channel, a third finger channel, a fourth finger channel, and a fifth finger channel of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment with a first fingertip pocket and a second fingertip pocket of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the second embodiment with a first finger pocket, a second finger pocket, a third finger pocket, a fourth finger pocket, and a fifth finger pocket of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front side view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a lip and an annular elastic body fixed within the first sleeve the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front side view of an alternate embodiment with a first length-adjustable fastener and a second length-adjustable fastener of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a stress-reducing garment top which provides a user with immediate and constant access to gadgets for fidgeting. The present invention upholds and conceals a stress-reducing tool within a top with long sleeves directly around or beside a hand. The present invention therefore allows a user to fidget at any point the user may need to in order to reduce stress or anxiety. In order to relieve a user of stress and anxiety, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a long-sleeved top 1, a first resistance band 13, and a second resistance band 14, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 7, and FIG. 9. The long-sleeved top 1 surrounds the upper body of the user, and covers and shields the upper body of the user from the surrounding environment. The long-sleeved top 1 may feature various styles and be made of varying materials depending on the stylistic preferences and conditions of the surrounding environment. The long-sleeved top 1 comprises a torso-covering portion 2, a first sleeve 7, and a second sleeve 10. The torso-covering portion 2 covers the torso of the upper body. More specifically, the torso-covering portion 2 comprises a first arm-receiving rim 3, a second arm-receiving rim 4, a neck receiving rim, and a waist-receiving rim 6. The first arm-receiving rim 3 and the second arm-receiving rim 4 allow the arms of the user to traverse through the torso-covering portion 2 and into the first sleeve 7 and the second sleeve 10, respectively. The neck receiving rim allows the neck and the head of the user to traverse out of the torso-covering portion 2. The waist receiving-rim allows the lower body to traverse out of the torso-covering portion 2. The first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14 provide the means for the user to fidget with the left hand and the right hand. The first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14 applies pressure and tension against the expansion of the left hand and the right hand, individually. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first resistance band 13 is made of a thermally-insulated material. Similarly, the second resistance band 14 is made of a thermally-insulated material. The thermally-insulated material slows down degradation throughout the use of the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14. The thermally-insulated material also allows the user to wash and dry the present invention while preserving the structural integrity of the first resistance band 13 the second resistance band 14.

The overall configuration of the aforementioned components provides a stress-relieving tool for a user at all times while wearing the present invention. In order for the user to wear the present invention, the neck-receiving rim 5 is positioned opposite with the waist-receiving rim 6 about the torso-covering portion 2, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 7, and FIG. 9. The first arm-receiving rim 3 and the second arm-receiving rim 4 are positioned in between the neck-receiving rim 5 and the waist-receiving rim 6 to accommodate the position of the arms of the user. Moreover, the first arm-receiving rim 3 and the second arm-receiving rim 4 are positioned opposite each other about the torso-covering portion 2. In order to cover the arms of the user, a proximal end 8 of the first sleeve 7 is perimetrically fixed around the first arm-receiving rim 3. Likewise, a proximal end 11 of the second sleeve 10 is perimetrically fixed around the second arm-receiving rim 4. The proximal end 8 of the first sleeve 7 and the proximal end 11 of the second sleeve 10 are the ends that surround the shoulder area of the arms. The first resistance band 13 is positioned adjacent with a hand of the user as the first resistance band 13 is integrated into a distal end 9 of the first sleeve 7. The distal end 9 of the first sleeve 7 is the area around the cuff of the sleeve. Similarly, the second resistance band 14 is positioned adjacent with the other hand of the user as the second resistance band 14 is integrated into a distal end 12 of the second sleeve 10, wherein the distal end 12 of the second sleeve 10 is the area around the cuff of the sleeve. This arrangement upholds the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14 within the first sleeve 7 and the second sleeve 10, respectively, while not being engaged or stretched by the hands of the user. In the preferred embodiment of the first resistance band 13 is fixed within the first sleeve 7. Likewise, the second resistance band 14 is fixed within the second sleeve 10. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14 are sewn into the first sleeve 7 and the second sleeve 10, respectively. Alternate embodiments of the present invention comprise a first elongated fastener 37 and a second elongated fastener 38, seen in FIG. 2. The first elongated fastener 37 and the second elongated fastener 38 allows the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14 to be mounted and removed within the first sleeve 7 and the second sleeve 10, respectively. The first elongated fastener 37 and the second elongated fastener 38 may be, but is not limited to Velcro, magnets, snap buttons, and buttons and loops. The first resistance band 13 may be connected and disconnected within the first sleeve 7 according to the discretion of the user as the first resistance band 13 is attached within the first sleeve 7 by the first elongated fastener 37. Likewise, the second resistance band 14 may be connected and disconnected within the second sleeve 10 according to the discretion of the user as the second resistance band 14 is attached within the second sleeve 10 by the second elongated fastener 38.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14 each comprise an annular elastic body 15 and a plurality of finger-receiving channels 20, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 9. The annular body surrounds the hand of the user. The plurality of finger-receiving channels 20 provides grip around the corresponding fingers of the hand. Furthermore, the finger-receiving channels enhance the stress-reducing effects of the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14. The annular body comprises a distal surface 16, a proximal surface 17, an inner rim 18, and an outer rim 19. The distal surface 16 and the proximal surface 17 surround the plurality of finger-receiving channels 20. The inner rim 18 allows the hand of the user to traverse through the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14, respectively, while not engaging with the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14. The outer rim 19 attaches the annular body within the corresponding first sleeve 7 and the corresponding second sleeve 10. The outer rim 19 of the first resistance band 13 is connected within the first sleeve 7. Likewise, the outer rim 19 of the second resistance band 14 is connected within the second sleeve 10. The plurality of finger-receiving channels 20 accommodates the corresponding fingers of the hand as the plurality of finger-receiving channels 20 is distributed around the annular elastic body 15. The fingers are gripped by the plurality of finger-receiving channels 20 as the plurality of finger-receiving channels 20 traverses from the proximal surface 17, through the annular elastic body 15, and to the distal surface 16. For some versions of the first embodiment, the plurality of finger-receiving channels 20 comprises a first finger-receiving channel 21 and a second finger-receiving channel 22, wherein the first finger-receiving channel 21 and the second finger-receiving channel 22 accommodate two fingers of a hand of the user and require only two fingers to expand the annular elastic body 15. The first finger-receiving channel 21 and the second finger-receiving channel 22 are positioned opposite to each other about the annular elastic body 15, thereby maximizing the force required to stretch the annular elastic body 15. It is understood that the first finger-receiving channel 21 and the second finger-receiving channel 22 may be positioned offset with each other to be aligned with adjacent fingers or a couple of desired fingers. For some versions of the first embodiment, the plurality of finger-receiving channels 20 comprises a first finger channel 23, a second finger channel 24, a third finger channel 25, a fourth finger channel 26, a fifth finger channel 27. In these versions of the first embodiment of the present invention, the first finger channel 23, the second finger channel 24, the third finger channel 25, the fourth finger channel 26, and the fifth finger channel 27 accommodate each finger of a hand of the user. The first finger channel 23, the second finger channel 24, the third finger channel 25, the fourth finger channel 26, and the fifth finger channel 27 are positioned equidistant from each other about the annular elastic body 15. It is understood that the distance between the first finger channel 23 and the fifth finger channel 27 is larger than that between the remaining channels in order to accommodate the natural positioning of the fingers about a hand.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14 each comprise an annular elastic body 15 and a plurality of fingertip pockets 28, seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. As in the first embodiment of the present invention, the annular elastic body 15 surrounds the hand of the user. The plurality of fingertip pockets 28 provides grip around the corresponding fingers of the hand as well as covers the corresponding fingers of the hand, thereby enhancing the anxiety-relieving effects of the present invention. The annular elastic body 15 comprises a distal surface 16, a proximal surface 17, an inner rim 18, and an outer rim 19. The distal surface 16 and the proximal surface 17 define the height of the annular elastic body 15. The inner rim 18 allows the hand of the user to traverse through the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14, respectively, while not engaging with the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14. Furthermore, the inner rim 18 upholds the plurality of fingertip pockets 28. The outer rim 19 attaches the annular body within the corresponding first sleeve 7 and the corresponding second sleeve 10. The outer rim 19 of the first resistance band 13 is connected within the first sleeve 7. Likewise, the outer rim 19 of the second resistance band 14 is connected within the second sleeve 10. The plurality of fingertip pockets 28 accommodates the fingertips of the hand as the plurality of fingertip pockets 28 is distributed about the inner rim 18. In order to cup or surround each fingertip, each of the plurality of fingertip pockets 28 is connected onto the inner rim 18. More specifically, an open end 45 of each of the plurality of fingertip pockets 28 is oriented towards the proximal surface 17, and a closed end 46 of each of the plurality of fingertip pockets 28 is oriented towards the distal surface 16. This facilitates the insertion of corresponding fingertips into the plurality of fingertip pockets 28 while wearing the long-sleeved top 1. For some versions of the present invention, the plurality of fingertip pockets 28 comprises a first fingertip pocket 29 and a second fingertip pocket 30, wherein the first fingertip pocket 29 and the second fingertip pocket 30 accommodate two fingers of a hand of the user and require only two fingers to expand the annular elastic body 15. The first fingertip pocket 29 and the second fingertip pocket 30 are positioned opposite to each other about the inner rim 18, thereby maximizing the force required to stretch the annular elastic body 15. It is understood that the first fingertip pocket 29 and the second fingertip pocket 30 may be positioned offset with each other to be aligned with adjacent fingers or a couple of desired fingers. For some versions of the second embodiment, the plurality of fingertip pockets 28 comprises a first finger pocket 31, a second finger pocket 32, a third finger pocket 33, a fourth finger pocket 34, and a fifth finger pocket 35. In these versions of the second embodiment, the first finger pocket 31, the second finger pocket 32, the third finger pocket 33, the fourth finger pocket 34, and the fifth finger pocket 35 accommodate each finger of a hand of the user. The first finger pocket 31, the second finger pocket 32, the third finger pocket 33, the fourth finger pocket 34, and the fifth finger pocket 35 are positioned equidistant from each other about the inner rim 18. It is understood that the distance between the first finger pocket 31 and the fifth finger pocket 35 is larger than that between the remaining finger pockets in order to accommodate the natural positioning of the fingers about the hand.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14 each comprise an annular elastic body 15 and a lip 36, seen in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. As in the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention, the annular elastic body 15 surrounds the hand of the user. The lip 36 provides grip around the fingers of the hand as well as covers the corresponding fingers of the hand, thereby enhancing the anxiety-relieving effects of the present invention. Unlike the second embodiment of the present invention, the lip 36 allows the fingers to be positioned along the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14 as desired. As in the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention, the annular elastic body 15 surrounds the hand of the user. The annular elastic body 15 comprises a distal surface 16, a proximal surface 17, an inner rim 18, and an outer rim 19. As in the second embodiment of the present invention, the distal surface 16 and the proximal surface 17 define the height of the annular elastic body 15. The inner rim 18 allows the hand of the user to traverse through the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14, respectively, while not engaging with the first resistance band 13 and the second resistance band 14. Furthermore, the inner rim 18 upholds the lip 36. The outer rim 19 attaches the annular body within the corresponding first sleeve 7 and the corresponding second sleeve 10. The outer rim 19 of the first resistance band 13 is connected with the first sleeve 7. Likewise, the outer rim 19 of the second resistance band 14 is connected with the second sleeve 10. The fingers of the user may simply be slipped in between the annular elastic body 15 and the lip 36 while wearing the long-sleeved top 1 as the lip 36 is connected onto the inner rim 18, adjacent to the distal surface 16.

Some embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a first length-adjustable fastener 39 and a second length-adjustable fastener 42, seen in FIG. 9. The first length-adjustable fastener 39 and the second length-adjustable fastener 42 allows the overall length of the first sleeve 7 and the second sleeve 10 to be adjusted according to the preferences of the user. The first length-adjustable fastener 39 and the second length-adjustable fastener 42 may be, but is not limited to, Velcro, magnets, snap buttons, and buttons and loops. In order to adjust the overall length of the first sleeve 7, the first length-adjustable fastener 39 comprises a proximal fastening band 40 and a distal fastening band 41. The proximal fastening band 40 provides a connection for the distal fastening band 41 along the first sleeve 7. The proximal fastening band 40 and the distal fastening band 41 are externally positioned with the first sleeve 7 for easy access to the first length-adjustable fastener 39. This arrangement also maintains the comfort of the user so first length-adjustable fastener 39 does not directly press against the corresponding arm of the user. The distal fastening band 41 is fixed around the first sleeve 7, adjacent to the distal end 9 of the first sleeve 7. The proximal fastening band 40 is fixed around the first sleeve 7, offset from the distal fastening band 41. This arrangement allows the overall length of the first sleeve 7 to be adjusted by the distance between the distal fastening band 41 and the proximal fastening band 40. More specifically, the distal fastening band 41 is positioned in between the distal end 9 of the first sleeve 7 and the proximal fastening band 40. The distal fastening band 41 is engaged with the proximal fastening band 40, thereby adjusting the overall length of the first sleeve 7.

Likewise, the second length-adjustable fastener 42 comprises a proximal fastening band 43 and a distal fastening band 44, also seen in FIG. 9. The proximal fastening band 43 and the distal fastening band 44 of the second-length adjustable fastener adjusts the overall length of the second sleeve 10. The proximal fastening band 43 provides a connection for the distal fastening band 44 along the second sleeve 10. The proximal fastening band 43 and the distal fastening band 44 are externally positioned with the second sleeve 10. This arrangement also maintains the comfort of the user so second length-adjustable fastener 42 does not directly press against the corresponding arm of the user. The distal fastening band 44 is fixed around the second sleeve 10, adjacent to the distal end 12 of the second sleeve 10. The proximal fastening band 43 is fixed around the second sleeve 10, offset from the distal fastening band 44. This arrangement allows the overall length of the second sleeve 10 to be adjusted by the distance between the distal fastening band 44 and the proximal fastening band 43. More specifically, the distal fastening band 44 is positioned in between the distal end 12 of the second sleeve 10 and the proximal fastening band 43. The distal fastening band 44 is engaged with the proximal fastening band 43, thereby adjusting the overall length of the second sleeve 10. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A stress-reducing garment top comprises: a long-sleeved top; a first resistance band; a second resistance band; the long-sleeved top comprises a torso-covering portion, a first sleeve, and a second sleeve; the torso-covering portion comprises a first arm-receiving rim, a second arm-receiving rim, a neck-receiving rim, and a waist-receiving rim; the neck-receiving rim being positioned opposite with the waist-receiving rim about the torso-covering portion; the first arm-receiving rim and the second arm-receiving rim being positioned in between the neck-receiving rim and the waist-receiving rim; the first arm-receiving rim and the second arm-receiving rim being positioned opposite each other about the torso-covering portion; a proximal end of the first sleeve being perimetrically fixed around the first arm-receiving rim; a proximal end of the second sleeve being perimetrically fixed around the second arm-receiving rim; the first resistance band being integrated into a distal end of the first sleeve; and, the second resistance band being integrated into a distal end of the second sleeve.
 2. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first resistance band being fixed within the first sleeve; and, the second resistance band being fixed within the second sleeve.
 3. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a first elongated fastener; a second elongated fastener; the first resistance band being attached within the first sleeve by the first elongated fastener; and, the second resistance band being attached within the second sleeve by the second elongated fastener.
 4. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first resistance band and the second resistance band each comprises an annular elastic body and a plurality of finger-receiving channels; the annular elastic body comprises a distal surface, a proximal surface, an inner rim, and an outer rim; the outer rim of the first resistance band being connected within the first sleeve; the outer rim of the second resistance band being connected within the second sleeve; the plurality of finger-receiving channels being distributed around the annular elastic body; and, the plurality of finger-receiving channels traversing from the proximal surface, through the annular elastic body, and to the distal surface.
 5. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 4 comprises: the plurality of finger-receiving channels comprises a first finger-receiving channel and a second finger-receiving channel; and, the first finger-receiving channel and the second finger-receiving channel being positioned opposite to each other about the annular elastic body.
 6. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 4 comprises: the plurality of finger-receiving channels comprises a first finger channel, a second finger channel, a third finger channel, a fourth finger channel, and a fifth finger channel; and, the first finger channel, the second finger channel, the third finger channel, the fourth finger channel, and the fifth finger channel being positioned equidistant from each other about the annular elastic body.
 7. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first resistance band and the second resistance band each comprises an annular elastic body and a plurality of fingertip pockets; the annular elastic body comprises a distal surface, a proximal surface, an inner rim, and an outer rim; the outer rim of the first resistance band being connected within the first sleeve; the outer rim of the second resistance band being connected within the second sleeve; the plurality of fingertip pockets being distributed about the inner rim; each of the plurality of fingertip pockets being connected onto the inner rim; an open end of each of the plurality of fingertip pockets being oriented towards the proximal surface; and, a closed end of each of the plurality of fingertip pockets being oriented towards the distal surface.
 8. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the plurality of fingertip pockets comprises a first fingertip pocket and a second fingertip pocket; and, the first fingertip pocket and the second fingertip pocket being positioned opposite to each other about the inner rim.
 9. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the plurality of fingertip pockets comprises a first finger pocket, a second finger pocket, a third finger pocket, a fourth finger pocket, and a fifth finger pocket; and, the first finger pocket, the second finger pocket, the third finger pocket, the fourth finger pocket, and the fifth finger pocket being positioned equidistant from each other about the inner rim.
 10. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first resistance band and the second resistance band each comprise an annular elastic body and a lip; the annular elastic body comprises a distal surface, proximal surface, an inner rim, and an outer rim; the outer rim of the first resistance band being connected with the first sleeve; the outer rim of the second resistance band being connected with the second sleeve; and, the lip being connected onto the inner rim, adjacent to the distal surface.
 11. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a first length-adjustable fastener; the first length-adjustable fastener comprises a proximal fastening band and a distal fastening band; the proximal fastening band and the distal fastening band being externally positioned with the first sleeve; the distal fastening band being fixed around the first sleeve, adjacent to the distal end of the first sleeve; the proximal fastening band being fixed around the first sleeve, offset from the distal fastening band; the distal fastening band being positioned in between the distal end of the first sleeve and the proximal fastening band; and, the distal fastening band being engaged with the proximal fastening band.
 12. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a second length-adjustable fastener; the second length-adjustable fastener comprises a proximal fastening band and a distal fastening band; the proximal fastening band and the distal fastening band being externally positioned with the second sleeve; the distal fastening band being fixed around the second sleeve, adjacent to the distal end of the second sleeve; the proximal fastening band being fixed around the second sleeve, offset from the distal fastening band; the distal fastening band being positioned in between the distal end of the first sleeve and the proximal fastening band; and, the distal fastening band being engaged with the proximal fastening band.
 13. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first resistance band is made of a thermally-insulated material.
 14. The stress-reducing garment top as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second resistance band is made of a thermally-insulated material. 